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Cielito Lindo

A little piece of heaven is just what you’ll get with a destination wedding at one of Mexico’s luxury resorts.

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE may have been the ultimate date-night movie of the early ’90s, but today it is inspiration for an unforgettable destination wedding.

“One of our brides wanted a wedding like the movie, so we suggested duck breast made with a rose petal and hibiscus flower sauce, plus other authentic gourmet Mexican food,” says Liliana Rico, sales manager at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. “We also served a traditional tres leches wedding cake and gave each guest traditional Mexican wedding cookies. At the end of the night, the bride gave a copy of the book to every couple.”

Another bride and groom, who love the work of artist Frida Kahlo, chose a more colorful fiesta for their nuptials. In an ode to the famous painter, they decorated their reception site with sunflowers and watermelons and served chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano chiles with a cream sauce) and a selection of Frida’s favorite flavored waters, including guanabana, guava, hibiscus, tamarind and mango water.

Two weddings with two very different themes showcase the beauty of being wed in Mexico. Idyllic backdrops aside, elegant resorts from Punta Mita to Cancun also provide unforgettable entertainment and delectable food—not to mention a wealth of activities for family and friends. Not sure where to wed? Here’s a peek at three luxurious destinations.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Located on the northern tip of Bahía de Banderas—one of the world’s largest natural bays—the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita features the charm and ideal weather of Mexico’s west coast. Couples choose this resort so they can declare their love on the beach, then celebrate with friends and family in the same spot. Las Cuevas Beach (Spanish for “cove”), one of two beaches on the resort, was designed with a concrete platform beneath the sand so it’s not only easy for brides to walk the “aisle” in heels, but it’s just as amenable to a post-ceremony cocktail party.

For those who want a more formal reception, Takua Courtyard allows for a seated dinner beneath the stars. It’s just a short stroll from the beach, so couples usually opt to have their photos taken as the sun sets while guests are treated to flavorful appetizers.

“Punta Mita is very secluded, so there are no buildings to get in the way of the stars,” says Rico. “We can hang candles from trees and you won’t need any other illumination.”
While the 3,200-square-foot courtyard seats 200 for dinner, the resort also offers rooms—indoors and out—for more intimate settings. And though you may never want to leave the outdoors, you will even find a ballroom that seats 180 guests.

“People might think of the Four Seasons as expensive in terms of decorations and food, but you don’t need to do a lot in the first place,” Rico says. “The actual setting is gorgeous enough. And we make it very easy to plan a wedding that is tailored to the bride and groom’s preferences.”

Another reason couples choose this resort is the activity list. Golf on a Jack Nicklaus course, deep sea fishing, surf lessons and tequila tasting for the groomsmen. And for the ladies, choices range from cooking classes to yoga to spa treatments and even lessons on jewelry making. 52.329.291.6000; fourseasons.com/puntamita.

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

Couples aren’t the only ones united at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, a holistic retreat and spa in Cabo San Lucas—the mind, body and spirit are united as well. A serene environment and amazing sunset views make for a memorable event, with venues ranging from terraces and gardens to poolside decks and, of course, the beach.
The cuisine at Pueblo Bonito is equally enticing. “The bridal menu combines elements of local flavor with gourmet cooking,” says Laura Ortiz, wedding coordinator at the resort. “As a treat, Chef Kata [Manuel Cataño Rivero] often surprises and delights guests with his signature collection of sashimi, maki and nigiri sushi delivered from the shores of Japan to the beaches of Baja.”

As with many coastal resorts, spa treatments and golf are common activities here for wedding parties. Couples who truly want to impress, however, can also take guests on a sunset cruise, parasailing, ATV tour, scuba diving, zip lining and even swimming with the dolphins. From dining to spa treatments to adventurous escapes, it’s easy to create an itinerary that will leave guests craving more. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and discos to keep your party entertained long after you’ve said “I do.” 800.990.8250; pueblobonitopacifica.com.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún

It’s no surprise that the beach is the most popular ceremony location of the seven total venues at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún. The private stretch of white-sand beach is more than 17,000 square feet—the largest beach in Cancún for weddings—and is ideal for intimate parties as well as bigger groups of up to 700 guests.

“If the wedding takes place at sunset or later in the evening, the couple can choose to end the ceremony with a serenata—a Mexican serenade—performed by a live mariachi band,” says Paulina Feltrin, public relations manager at the five-diamond resort. “This lovely touch adds Mexican flavor to the celebration while providing a unique memory for every guest.”

Receptions can be held on the beach as well. The staff lines the walkway with candles, then sets up crisp, all-white décor. “Each table is lit from underneath to replicate the sparkling sky above,” Feltrin explains. “And while white has been the standard color for décor because it is a beautiful complement to the beach, we can also add accents of blue. Lately, we have also noticed a trend toward jewel tones and bolder, exotic colors.”

For a completely different experience, couples can also choose to pledge their love with a romantic Mayan ceremony. Performed on the beach by a Mayan priest, the ceremony includes an ancient blessing for love and good fortune.

When all is said and done, the highlight of a wedding at The Ritz could be the end itself. Nowhere else in Cancún can you and your beloved dine in a private ocean-side cabana, with nothing but a thatch roof above and sand and ocean all around. Casitas, the resort’s signature restaurant, delivers grilled prime cuts and seafood to the cabaña. And for a sweet ending, they’ll serve up a romantic serenade of “Cielito Lindo”, a traditional Mexican love song. 52.998.881.0808; ritzcarlton.com.

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